Ever wonder why your mouse cursor is slanted?

After 23 years of living on earth and approximately 13 years of using a mouse cursor, I finally questioned the slanted arrow.

The mouse (and the mouse cursor) was invented by computer scientist, Douglas Englebert. Originally, the cursor was an arrow pointing straight up; however, people realized it was much easier to create a slanted arrow. It was only after the Xerox PARC machine was built the cursor switched to an angle.

Due to the low resolution of the screens back in 1981, drawing a 45 degree angle was simpler than drawing a straight line. Besides the fact that it was easier, a slanted arrow was more recognizable as well. Since the arrow is slanted, it creates a pop-out effect, making it easier to spot on the screen.

I wish there was more to it, but this is one of the many questions I have on my commute to work. Now I have the answer, and so do you.

You’re welcome.